If you have been searching for a way to get extra fruit or vegetables for you and your family while helping those in need, then look no further,

The Nelson Food Cupboard’s Harvest Rescue Program is in full swing.

Harvest Rescue is a program organized by the Nelson Food Cupboard where trained volunteer pickers will come to your yard and harvest fruits, veggies and any other edible goodies to share with those in need.

One-third of the harvest goes to the donor, one-third goes to the volunteer picking the fruit and one-third to the Nelson Food Cupboard.

The food cupboard will then distribute it to its members and to other social service organizations.

This year the group has nine bountiful gardens that have been generously donated for he purpose of growing food. Look for Nelson Food Cupboard garden signs in and around town.

Last year there was an excellent harvest with 7,990 pounds of fruit gleaned by volunteers and 2,556 pounds of fruit and vegetables donated from markets and fruit stands.

Now in its eight year, the program is currently seeking and reminding fruit tree donors to give the food cupboard a call and register your tree in advance to avoid food waste. This will ensure that volunteers are available and will help to keep both bears and humans safe.

Fresh surplus produce of any kind can also be dropped off at the Nelson Food Cupboard on Mondays and Wednesdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Join up and become a volunteer to learn the advantages of sourcing food locally, meeting like-minded folks, pick with your family and take home a portion of the harvest.

For more information check out the website atfoodcupboard.org, look for the Harvest Rescue tab, or contact Sophie, the Harvest Rescue coordinator directly at 250-551-8343 or harvestrescue@gmail.com.

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